Research interests
My research expertise centres around the teaching and learning of languages in instructed settings, particularly in schools. I am interested in the development of literacy in additional languages and the role of crosslinguistic influence in language learning. In previous research projects, I have explored the role of instructional approaches on outcomes (phonics, reading strategies) and the importance of predictors in the development of L2literacy and language learning generally.
First supervisions:
Virginia Mercau – Teacher cognition and primary EFL teachers in Mexico.
Fatimah Alghamdi – The development of biliteracy in the home: literacy practices and sociocultural learning.
Haziqah Binti Al Aris – Pre-service teacher cognition and practice. An investigation of Multiliteracies pedagogy in Malaysia.
Kamelia Kerkache – A critical examination of cultural and intercultural awareness in Algerian middle school EFL and FFL textbooks.
Jo Dixon (with ECS) – Technology and literacy development in adult, migrant learners at an ESL centre.
Research Projects
Award 1: Nuffield Foundation: EDU/42585. Total award: £171,675. 2016-2018.
A multi-institutional bid with the Universities of Oxford (Principal Investigator – Dr Robert Woore), Reading (Co-Investigators – Professor Suzanne Graham, Dr Louise Courtney) and Southampton (Co-Investigator – Dr Alison Porter).
This was a randomised controlled trial which investigates the effects of either a) phonics instruction or b) reading strategy instruction on KS3 French learners (aged 11-13). The study explored outcomes such as: reading comprehension, word decoding, vocabulary learning, self-efficacy and motivation. Final Report
Award 2: ESRC Impact Acceleration Account ES/M500458/1.: University of Southampton Primary Foreign Language Practice and Research Partnership (SUPL). Total award: £5,155. 2017-2018.
A University of Southampton Impact initiative which involves collaboration with a group of primary FL teachers to promote, develop and experiment with principled and innovative FL literacy practice. Web presence
Award 3: ESRC Impact Acceleration Account ES/M500458/1: Follow on funding University of Southampton Primary Foreign Language Practice and Research Partnership (SUPL). Total award: £7804.12. 2018-2019
This award aims to build on existing collaboration to support teachers in further developing foreign language literacy and formative assessment practices. It will also seek to extend the reach and significance of the SUPL 2017-18 work.
Award 4: ESRC Impact Acceleration Account University of Southampton and University of Essex. 2019-20. Total award: £30,000.00 This inter-institutional award involved the design and production of a free, online course (MOOC) Teaching and Learning Languages in Primary Schools: Putting Research into Practice.
The MOOC builds on impact activities conducted by RiPL and SUPL.
Affiliate research groups
CLEAR, Management Committee Research in Primary Languages Network , Committee Member BAAL Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group
Research project(s)
This initiative in 2017-18 involved collaboration with a group of primary FL teachers to promote, develop and experiment with principled and innovative FL literacy practice.
A multi-institutional research project led by the University of Oxford, with Reading and Southampton as co-investigators.
Dr Alison Porter65/3061
Avenue Campus
University of Southampton
SO17 1BF
amp1g09@soton.ac.uk
Room Number: 65/3061